Ex-Obituary guitarist busted for meth lab

Wednesday, May 08, 2013 7:53 AM PT

[ 39,724views ]

This actually happened several weeks ago but apparently went unnoticed until now. Floridian death metal guitarist Allen West was arrested for "Drugs-Produce Methamphetamine" and "Drugs-Possess Listed Chemical With Manufacture Controlled Substance" in late-March. West was a member of Obituary for a total of nearly 20 years, last performing with the band in 2006. He also did time in Six Feet Under, Massacre, and Lowbrow.

Strangely, West had called 911 in Lake Panasoffkee, FL, to report that two males had broken into his house. Here's what happened via the Tri-Count Sun Times:

Upon arrival Deputies met with the property owner Allen West in a wooded area next to the residence. Allen West stated that two male subjects forcibly entered his house by kicking in the front door at which time he fled out the rear and hid in the woods.

West requested the Deputies search his residence for possible subjects. During the search Deputies noticed a strong acidic odor emitting from the master bedroom. Deputies then discovered in the master bedroom and bathroom plastic soda bottles with tubing protruding from them. The bottles also had a wet white pasty substance in the bottles and on the bathroom and bedroom counters. These items are commonly used in the manufacturing of methamphetamine.

Long story short, West's residence was subsequently searched by the Special Investigations Squad, who found "ammonium nitrate, sodium hydroxide (AKA 'Drano'), a corrosive acid, lithium strips and other items commonly used to produce methamphetamine." The lab we dismantled and West was subsequently held on a $40,000 bond.

UPDATE: Lambgoat can confirm that West, age 45, is currently incarcerated at the Sumter County Jail in Bushnell, FL.